Driving in alpine areas

Knowing how to drive on winding mountain roads, in snow and ice conditions, is an important skill to acquire. Travelling on alpine roads in winter can be dangerous unless special driving techniques are used. Even where snow has been cleared from the road, the surface may still be covered by a film of snow or ice.

Snow driving: The basics

There are basic rules to follow when driving in snow conditions. Like skiing or boarding, driving in snow and ice conditions is an acquired skill. Extreme care is required when driving on alpine roads in winter. Planning is essential to ensure your car is in good condition and you have all the necessary equipment for a safe journey.

Before leaving the ski fields, be sure to clear any snow from the car roof, to avoid creating a road hazard to other vehicles. Failure to do so is an offence.

Drive cautiously with gradual pressure on the accelerator to avoid wheel spin. The speed is not necessarily the slowest possible, sometimes a more optimum speed can help momentum through snow drifts or travelling up hills.

Avoid unnecessary gear changes. Engage first or second gear on level ground (including automatics) before ascending or descending hills in snow or ice conditions.

Brake gently. Front and rear wheels can lock easily with loss of steering and control.

Keep well behind the vehicles in front.

Avoid braking when cornering. Brake before the corner while the wheels are straight.

Keep well away from snow clearing machines. It is often necessary to reverse these machines, and snow clearing operators may not be able to see you in snowdrift or falling snow conditions. Also, the fountain of snow coming from the blowers may contain ice chunks and stones.

Do not overtake clearing equipment until they have stopped blowing snow.

Be patient approaching large vehicles, such as buses, and only overtake if visibility is good.

Poor visibility

If minimum visibility (white-out) conditions occur and the road ahead and snow poles are not visible, bring the vehicle to a stop, leave the motor running and switch on your hazard lights.

Travel in daylight hours whenever possible. It is difficult to judge distances in snow at night.

In poor visibility conditions, drive with your headlights on low beam. Use front and rear demisters, with air-conditioning on, to ensure windscreens are clear at all times.

Remember that when meeting oncoming vehicles, common sense dictates that the vehicle going up has right of way. It is much harder for an ascending vehicle to start again if it has to stop.

Braking and skidding

On icy or snow covered roads always use your brakes gently and drive slowly. If you lose traction it is better to control your car by steering rather than braking. If you were to hit the bank or get stuck in a snow drift it is better than going over the edge! Keep some distance from vehicles in front of you and give yourself plenty of time to stop.

Other helpful hints

Clear all glass and mirrors of ice before attempting to drive away from snowfields.

For fast demisting of the front windscreen, use the car’s heater and fan in conjunction with the vehicle’s air-conditioner.

Warm the engine for a few minutes before driving off.

Have a spare set of keys.

Driving on alpine roads not only requires concentration and adept driving skills, but also a lot of patience. Keep your cool if stuck in a long queue of traffic, and always follow directions of resort staff and road signs. They are there for your safety.

The alpine environment is a beautiful destination for winter or summer holidays and a venue for many challenging and exciting activities including skiing and bushwalking. The alpine regions however, can be hazardous if visitors are careless or irresponsible.

This SnowSafe website has been published to provide essential information on how to enjoy the alpine environment in safety and comfort. Planning and preparation are the keys to having a safe and enjoyable experience and these concepts are reinforced throughout this website.

Snow Safety Inc, Australian Ski Patrol Association, and the Australian Ski Areas Association have worked together to produce this alpine safety information to make it easier for visitors to these areas. The information provided on this SnowSafe website serves as a guide only and does not guarantee the prevention of any loss, damage, injury or other adverse outcome occurring whilst in the alpine regions.